(04/108) Trenton -- Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today
announced the acquisition of 43 properties located throughout
New Jersey that provide fishing access for New Jersey residents
and visitors. The properties, which comprise 3,662 acres
of permanently protected open space, were purchased through
the DEP Green Acres Program at a total cost of $16,770,000.
The purchase of these properties reflects Governor McGreevey's
commitment to expand access to fishing waters by purchasing
easements.

"New Jersey is a great fishing state," said Governor
James E. McGreevey. "With the purchase of these properties,
residents and visitors will now be able to wade and walk
along the banks, streambeds and shorelines of some of the
best fishing streams in the country."

On April 13, 2002- Earth Day -Governor McGreevey directed
DEP to use Green Acres funds to purchase permanent easements
for access rights along productive fishing streams.

"Governor McGreevey's leadership in increasing fishing
access will enable New Jersey residents and visitors to
enjoy the state's diverse opportunities to fish," said
Commissioner Campbell. "The preservation of these 43
properties through the DEP Green Acres Program will help
protect New Jersey's water resources and habitat and provide
new locations for recreational fishing."

The funded properties are located in thirteen counties
and provide fishing access to more than 30 bodies of water.

In Atlantic County, anglers have new access
to parcels along the Atlantic Ocean, Absecon Creek, Absecon
Bay and Gravelly Run, a tributary of the Egg Harbor River.
DEP also purchased land with fishing access to the Turtle
Creek, the Mullica River, the Wading River, the Delaware
River and Dredge Harbor in Burlington County.
DEP purchased three properties in Cape May County,
located on the Cedar Swamp Creek and the Tuckahoe River.

In Cumberland County, DEP offers fishing
access points along Stow Creek, Hands Mill Pond, the Cohansey
River, the Maurice River and Fortescue Creek. In Gloucester
County, anglers now have access to additional fishing
locations on the Raccoon Creek and Mantua Creek.

Anglers can also enjoy five new access points in Hunterdon
County, located on the Musconetcong River, the
Lockatong Creek, the Raritan River, the Lazy Brook and Mulhockway
Creek.

Newly purchased properties will provide fishing access
to Cheesequake tributaries in Middlesex County
and the Musconetcong River and the South Branch of the Raritan
River in Morris County. DEP purchased additional
land at the Leonardo State Marina in Monmouth County
to provide access to Sandy Hook Bay, the Hudson River Bight
and the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, DEP purchased access
to the Toms River in Ocean County.

DEP also purchased two properties in Salem County,
on Paradise Lake and the Salem River. In Sussex
County, DEP purchased properties with fishing access
at the Paulinskill River, the Flat Brook and the Walkill
River. In Warren County, DEP provides new
recreation opportunities at five sites along the Paulinskill
and Pequest Rivers.

New Jersey's popularity as a fishing destination provides
nearly 11 million recreation days for both residents of
the state and non-residents. Fishing contributes over $1.4
billion to the state's economy and provides more than 12,000
jobs.

Since Governor McGreevey took office, the Green Acres Program
has acquired 68,952 acres of open space-45,873 acres for
state projects, 11,797 acres for local projects and 11,282
acres for nonprofit groups. To date, the Green Acres Program
has protected more than 551,358 acres of open space and
provided funding to develop hundreds of parks statewide.
The statewide system of preserved open space and farmland
totals more than 1.27 million acres.